LEADERSHIP CAPACITY AND NATION BUILDING

Abstract

The greatest challenge a country could face is that of capacity for good governance and integrated inclusiveness to drive development. The capacity to govern is the foundation for good governance and a deterrent to social vices and national crisis. Institutional capacity is capable of driving and enhancing performance, adaptability to strain and stress stability of the system polity. Government officials and political office holders need to understand the basic role of stability, equity and fairness in national development. Until they have capacity to adhere to democratic values such as non-discrimination, equity, accountability, transparency, reliability and the rule law, very little will change for the better and the citizenry will continue to wallow in pain. This paper relied on quantitative test, a measurement of state capacity primarily using David Collier’s and Robert Adcock four step framework. The aim of this paper is to highlight capacity needed in Nigerian State for the State to effectively function. The paper further identifies certain problems emanating from the ineffective discharge of responsibilities by public office holders as a result of lack of capacity and how capacity deficits in governance promote social problems and hinder national development. The outcome is to ensure capacity building in both public and private governance.